Preparation For Your Eye Exam
In order to be better prepared for your eye exam:
- Remember that both of your eyes will be dilated.
- Bring a driver and sunglasses with you as dilation may affect your vision.
- Bring a list of all of your medications, your insurance cards and pertinent medical history.
- Allow 1-2 hours for your visit, initial visits may take longer.
- Additional testing or treatment, such as fluorescein angiography or laser may be indicated following the examination of your eyes.
- We are happy to include family members in the discussion of your condition and it is often helpful to have them accompany you. We will keep your referring doctor informed of our findings.
- Please understand that, because of the nature of our practice, we deal with many emergencies. We ask for your patience and consideration.
Initial Exams
In order to better determine your eye problem, one or both of the following tests will likely be performed.
- Fluorescein Angiography (FA):
In this procedure, a small amount of fluorescent dye (Sodium Fluorescein) is injected into an arm vein. Diagnostic photographs are taken as the dye passes through the retinal vessels of the eye. The resulting photographs can be extremely valuable in evaluating macular problems and directing laser treatment.
- Optical Coherent Tomography (OCT):
Optical Coherent Tomography (OCT) is a new medical diagnostic imaging technology which can perform cross-sectional or tomographic imaging of the retina. The operation of OCT is analogous to ultrasound B-mode imaging or radar except that light is used rather than the sound of radio waves. Combined with conventional clinical techniques of direct and indirect ophthalmoscopy and fluorescein angiography, this offers us another powerful diagnostic tool to aid in patient care.